Former Rocket Isaiah Canaan happy for opportunity with Suns

Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) drives to the basket around Memphis Grizzlies' Andrew Harrison during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Grizzlies 97-95. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) less

Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) drives to the basket around Memphis Grizzlies' Andrew Harrison during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) drives to the basket around Memphis Grizzlies' Andrew Harrison during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Grizzlies 97-95. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) less

Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) drives to the basket around Memphis Grizzlies' Andrew Harrison during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the ... more

Photo: Associated Press

Former Rocket Isaiah Canaan happy for opportunity with Suns

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PHOENIX - Suns guard Isaiah Canaan still does not entirely understand what happened in his three-day stint with the Rockets, but said he was unconcerned with showing his previous team what they let get away in October.

Canaan has been out with a strained groin muscle since Jan. 3, but with the Suns off since Sunday, he missed just two games. Canaan said he expected to return on Friday against the Rockets, but was still waiting for final approval from the Suns trainers.

He signed with the Rockets on Oct. 25 and played four minutes that night against 76ers. He did not play in the Rockets' next game and with the Rockets not wanting to use remaining room before the luxury tax, he was released on Oct. 28 when forward Trevor Ariza returned from a sprained left foot much more quickly than expected.

"You'd be confused about it, but that's something I can't control," Canaan said. "Just control playing basketball. Things happen. I just move on. I don't know what to say about it. They made their decision. Just have to keep going. This organization believes in me. They brought me here for a reason. I'll try to make it the best decision that they made and do whatever I can to help this team out, help this organization continue to get better and grow."

Canaan, the Rockets' second round pick in 2013, has averaged 10 points and 4.9 assists in 23.2 minutes per game in his 10 games with the Suns.

"Toughness at the point guard position, physicality, ability to fight through screens," Suns interim coach Jay Triano said of Canaan's attributes. "He kind of fits the way we're trying to play with the drive-and-kick and shoot the 3 if he has to. He fits the way we're trying to play the game."

Canaan, however, said the Rockets already know all that about him.

"I don't feel like I have anything to prove to them," Canaan said. "I've been around them twice now. They should be familiar with me, as much as I am with them. Just another game to get better."